Oslo Freedom Forum 2025

As we reflect and draw inspiration from the powerful speeches at the 2025 Oslo Freedom Forum, we invite you to revisit highlights from the event.

About

The 2025 Oslo Freedom Forum explored the theme “Imagine”. In authoritarian regimes, even the simple act of imagining a better future can be seen as a threat. Dictators fear this because meaningful change begins when people dare to envision something greater for themselves and future generations.

Imagination is wild and free — an unstoppable force in contrast to the cold, confining grip of authoritarianism under which 72% of the world’s population still lives. Dictators can imprison bodies, but they cannot shackle minds or extinguish the human spirit.

This is why the voices of human rights advocates taking the stage at the Oslo Konserthus, the Forum’s premier venue, are so powerful. Having already defied oppression, they will speak not only to expose the suffering caused by dictatorships but also to defend democracy and light the way toward a freer future.

To imagine is to take the first step toward seeing the world as it should be — not as it is.

At the heart of every powerful civil society movement lies a shared belief: that all human beings are born with equal and inalienable rights. This conviction shapes a collective vision rooted in the universality of human rights. Imagining a more peaceful, prosperous, and free world is the first step toward building it together. As Human Rights Foundation Chairman Emeritus Václav Havel once said, we must live “as if” there is no oppression.

Play

Event Recap

The 2025 Oslo Freedom Forum is in the books. The struggle against tyranny continues. At this year’s Oslo Freedom Forum, visionaries, tech leaders, artists, musicians, and change-makers came together to “Imagine” a better world.

Interactive Programming

Explore our diverse panels and workshops featured at the 2025 Oslo Freedom Forum.

Camp kids

Bring your family to the OFF Camp for Kids!

While you enjoy OFF, your child will engage with conference themes through age-appropriate activities.
Camp kids
Camp kids
OFF May 25

Join Us for the 2025 Oslo Freedom Forum

Download the OFF 2025 app now!

Get the app for full access to the event schedule, maps, updates and more.
App onboarding

Imagination is preparation – to envision freedom is to begin building the foundation for it.

Celine Assad Boustani
President, Human Rights Foundation

Meet our Speakers

Discover the inspiring voices featured at the 2025 Oslo Freedom Forum

Our Sponsors

How can we help?

Hit enter to search or ESC to close